At the end of January 2021, I wrote myself a letter. I listed all the dreams I had for my life for the year. There were nine dreams. Of the nine, only one became a reality: “at least 1 (paid) published piece of writing” was scribbled on the page.
They were all pretty lofty and ambitious, but this one felt the most unattainable because it was the one that I’d been pining after for so long. After dabbling in the freelance world, sending unanswered pitch after unanswered pitch, wondering what I needed to do to get my foot in the door, it was like I included it on this list to just assuage myself; “okay, girl. I’ll let you hold onto your little dream.” Now, part of me believes that maybe the hope I’d been building and nurturing in the working and waiting was what finally and ultimately made room for me. I’m glad I held on.
A reflection I’d written on how my life had been impacted by the pandemic was published in the September 2021 issue of Project Arctos. By the time it was out in the world, so much had changed from the time I wrote it, and I felt weird about sharing it. It was as if I was ashamed of the person I was and the life I was living just a few short months ago that I didn’t want anyone to read it. My dream came true! Yet I was hiding it. I shared the link with a few close friends and family and generally kept my first publication close to my heart.
Now at the top of January 2022 with evidence of what my hope can do, I don’t want to hide my dreams nor my journey to them. Last year, I published two unpaid pieces here on my blog and one commissioned piece for Project Arctos. That is a win, and I am proud of myself. I hope you’ll stick around to see what this year has in store for my little hopes and dreams and me.
Check out Times Are Changing, by yours truly on ProjectArctos.com.
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